jasdooit

I have a deep appreciation for the writings of Sanitsuda Ekachai at the Bangkok Post. She demonstrates insight and empathy, particularly when discussing Buddhism. In this piece, she presents a powerful and logical argument for peace, bringing honor to the newspaper.

Highlighting the obvious absence of backing from the Buddhist religious leaders, she points out that their loud appeals promoting peaceful resolutions to this avoidable conflict are not being acknowledged.

However, the following seemed to me an unconscious admission of the source of this contradiction. She wrote that Thais “claim Buddhism as the essence of gentle Thai identity”.

What does “Thainess” mean if not a manifestation of collective self-obsession masked by falsely optimistic traits? “Thainess” is a term (similar to “whiteness”) that represents boastful ethnic pride, commonly accepted as genuine. Similarly, where is the equally ridiculous label “Cambodianess” used to provide balance in this article?

Additionally, retelling tales from the Buddha’s life, Khun Sanitsuda states: “When his own family members planned to fight over water from the Rohini River, he did not choose a side. He shifted the focus.”

“What holds greater value, he questioned: water or human life?” If the writer is not embarrassed by her own absence of self-awareness, how can she anticipate the military to abandon their arms when “embarrassed by the (Buddha’s) reasoning”?

The intention here is not to criticize the author, but to address a widespread misunderstanding. Buddhism is not a collective religion in the sense that all individuals are required to obey the Buddha’s teachings.

It is a belief system in which every individual receives the teachings of Gautama Buddha and personally embraces the practice of those teachings willingly, striving toward self-understanding and eventually surpassing the self.

It is not embarrassing to fail to comprehend the ego at any given moment. This occurs for almost everyone without exception. The ego tends to be self-harming and harmful to others. As a result, there is pain and conflict. The only other option is to watch one’s own actions in each moment, recognize them as the source of distress, and naturally let go of the sense of being an isolated self. This is not something imposed by society; it is a gift from the Buddha to humankind.

Michael Setter

Trees against floods

Re: “Thai Year of Environmental Turmoil: Historic Floods Strike”, (BP, December 27).

Here is a basic BKP-style revision that does not remove words or meaning – only fixes grammar, punctuation and clarity, using British English.

Trees are essential resources for the country. Trees, together with ample open land, can assist in absorbing floodwaters in communities, whether in Bangkok or the recently affected regions in the South. A large number of trees can help slow down floodwater and also prevent soil erosion. As the election draws near, it is hoped that the new government will pay more attention to utilizing trees as a method to fight floods and provide financial support to achieve this.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).